Canadian Special Operations Forces Command - An Overview
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Commander's Foreword
- Introduction
- Current Security Environment
- What is SOF?
- Canadian Special Operations Forces Command
- Command Priorities
- Conclusion
Commander's Foreword
In today's security environment conventional military responses do not always possess the complete array of capabilities needed to meet the threats the Canadian Forces (CF) will continue to face. Additional elements that emphasize a high level of responsiveness, agility, adaptability and non-conventional skill sets are also required to help combat these new threats and the asymmetric tactics they employ.
Proudly integrated into the overall fabric of the Canadian Forces, the creation of a distinct Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM), in 2006, was our launch point to the establishment of what is quickly growing into a robust, coherent strategic tool. Regrouping existing capabilities, enhancing others and creating yet more, CANSOFCOM has quickly developed into a significant actor within the Canadian security and military architecture.
Typical special operations forces (SOF) operations are intelligence driven and reliant on tight operational security. Just as critical, they are dependent on enlightened and educated support by our conventional forces, allies and coalition partners as well as strong informed leadership within the CF. The concept of harmonization of effects versus pure and linear synchronization of activities remains at the core of this employment. The requirement for leaders of today and the future to have a full and in-depth understanding of who and what CANSOFCOM is, and most importantly, how to leverage the incredible capability our men and women represent, is critical to their success. This education process is ongoing through our every thought, word and deed, recognizing that maximizing CANSOFCOM's value is critical to our nation's security.
This publication is an overarching representation of how CANSOFCOM will support national strategic and operational military objectives for the foreseeable future. It articulates our mandate, framework and the specific roles and tasks associated with our Command, as well as a number of considerations regarding the employment of special operations forces. As a consequence I hope that it will also dispel the myths and misconceptions that often plague SOF.
What should be clear in this publication is the Command's resolve to be fully integrated into the fabric of the Canadian Forces, as well as its capability to combat current or emerging threats to Canadians and to the national interest whether at home or abroad. As such this publication reinforces the need for, and presence of, a robust and mature governance process that ensures the requisite operational, administrative oversight processes are in place. Furthermore, it also highlights the vital need for CANSOFCOM personnel to be drawn from all CF components and occupations, as this is the only way to ensure that the right balance of skill sets continue to be provided.
Our Command motto, Viam Inveniemus (We will find a way) speaks to the streamlined command and control process within the Command and the responsive “can-do” attitude among all CANSOF members ensuring that their knowledge and incredible skill and dedication are brought to bear to combat those who threaten our fellow Canadians, friends and allies around the globe. This publication is one step of many to ensure we always find a way.
D. Michael Day
Colonel
Commander
Canadian Special Operations Forces Command
Introduction
Canada and its allies will remain challenged by a chaotic, volatile and uncertain security environment well into the future. This challenge encompasses the entire spectrum of conflict, from humanitarian disasters and peace support operations to outright combat.
In addition, it also entails the need to be vigilant and responsive to the terrorist threat at home and abroad. Operations will require detailed joint and interagency integration and planning across the Government of Canada and with participating allies and coalition partners. The planned development and growth of CANSOFCOM, part of the overall transformation of the Canadian Forces, will permit the enhancement and effective employment of special operations capabilities to serve the best interests of Canada. In this vein, the purpose of this document is to provide insight with regard to how Canadian SOF will be developed, generated and employed to serve Canadians and the national interest. As such, it provides senior military and political decision makers with the necessary understanding of SOF to assist them in their employment of Canadian SOF to further the country's security and advance the national interest.
Current Security Environment
In the near term, the likelihood of a conventional war with another nation state employing conventional tactics appears remote. Nonetheless, pockets of instability stretch across the globe as armed elements of diverse and increasing sophistication seek to establish their ascendancy in various weak and failing states.
Even when localized and when primarily motivated by economic exploitation these armed entities are difficult to suppress particularly in states with little structural or institutional capacity to respond. Despite the regionalized nature of these conflicts their impact on international security is enormous: illicit economic exploitation, the spread of small arms, criminal activity including trade in drugs and humans, as well as the consequence of population migration and instability, to name a few. Consequently, even for relatively minor conflicts there is a need for international engagement and containment and a measure of national vigilance.
While many threats are geographically confined, international terrorist networks (e.g., al Qaeda) pose a global threat. Their goals, operational methodologies and adaptability have shifted the nature of trans-national insurgencies. They employ asymmetric strategies in attacks following a doctrine of propaganda by deeds. They use the tactics of criminality, terrorism and guerrilla warfare in the pursuit of their objectives and have refined other disruptive techniques including suicide bombings, improvised explosive devices and mass casualty events. Additionally, they exploit globalization (e.g., telecommunications, financing, Internet interconnectivity for information operations and sharing lessons learned, techniques, tactics and procedures), as well as the proliferation of technology to enhance their capacity and reach. These organizations are networked, multi-layered and complex entities capable of detailed operational planning, synchronization and execution. They are continually learning from their collective experience and are continually adapting and changing resulting in more complex, sophisticated and dangerous adversaries.
As such, SOF cannot be satisfied with the status quo. SOF must continually endeavour to stay ahead doctrinally, technologically and in actual capability. However, the complex threat environment demands a broad range of disciplines, agents and actors are required to identify, track, monitor and deter their activities. Specifically, operations must begin with the infusion of disparate sources of intelligence to define specific threats, which in turn, lead to the precision application of surgical kinetic and non-kinetic effects. Undeniably, the complex inter-linked nature of today's threat can only be addressed through intimate coordination, planning and action based on an integrated military, governmental and international response. Quite simply, a whole of government approach is required to effectively counter the threat.
However, the response to the chaotic and volatile global security environment cannot be unilateral. A multitude of international agencies and organizations contribute to the overall campaign to improve security, development and governance in the global forum. Military efforts to counter the criminal activity, the proliferation of conflict and terrorism, by necessity and utility are predominately coalition based. Whether under the auspices of the United Nations (UN), North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) or a lead nation, the CF will work closely with allies. This inter-relationship is complemented by the inherently joint nature of modern operations. The services – maritime, land, air and special operation forces – combine to deliver a more comprehensive and effective impact in the battle space; the whole being much greater than the sum of its parts.
Another reality in the current security environment is the ubiquitous presence of the global media. Instantaneous feeds from the area of operations to the living rooms of civilians around the globe in real time (i.e., the CNN effect) can catapult seemingly innocuous tactical situations on the ground to strategic significance. Reporting even seemingly minor events can generate hostility around the world and create international incidents for domestic governments if the actions or words are construed as disrespectful or unnecessary (particularly if taken out of context). The reality of the “strategic corporal” necessitates the education and training of everyone who deploys into the theatres of operations. Individuals must be inculcated with the notion that everyone must be conscious and accountable for their actions at all times, since their actions become tools, if not weapons, in the ongoing information operations campaign waged by the enemy.
In short, the current security operating environment is chaotic, volatile, uncertain and ever changing. The ambiguous nature and asymmetric conditions inherent in most conflicts today have positioned SOF to be the choice of force because their highly trained personnel have the ability to rapidly deploy and apply special skills sets in a variety of environments and circumstances to achieve difficult missions in peace, conflict or war. Excellent equipment provides them with a technological edge. However, the core strength of SOF remains its emphasis on cognitive response to ambiguous and complex circumstances; its reliance on individuals who are adaptive, innovative and agile.
SOF can shape conditions in operational theatres through the conduct of operations, the training of indigenous forces and the provision of advice and assistance. Moreover, SOF's agility and capacity allow it to retain an exceptionally tight Force Development (FD)-Force Generation (FG)-Force Employment (FE) feedback loop, thus, rapidly incorporating battle space lessons learned into all levels of the FG cycle. This is how SOF stays ahead of emerging threats. SOF are able to adjust their capabilities towards the changing needs of the country. More importantly, they anticipate threats and ensure they have the requisite capability prior to a crisis. In the end, the existence of the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command gives the CF and the nation a greater flexibility to respond to ever evolving operational and strategic events.
What is SOF?
Definition
Special Operation Forces are organizations containing specially selected personnel that are organized, equipped and trained to conduct high-risk, high-value special operations to achieve military, political, economic or informational objectives by using special and unique operational methodologies in hostile, denied or politically sensitive areas to achieve desired tactical, operational and/or strategic effects in times of peace, conflict or war.
The SOF Operator
There are manifest differences between Special Operation Forces and their conventional brethren. The success of SOF is predicated in highly trained individuals and small teams, as well as on the development of core competencies in units to execute highly specialized tasks, whether kinetic or non-kinetic. This capability hinges on the proper selection and career development of individual SOF warriors. These individuals possess the intellectual agility to conceptualize creative and effective solutions with surgical precision in ambiguous situations to develop coherent options. Individuals are trained for specific skill development and employment and continually receive further educational and operational experience in consonance with the SOF emphasis on cognitive strength to place these capabilities within context of the broader spectrum of conflict. This allows them to identify and contextualize the utility of their missions at the strategic and operational levels. SOF personnel are proficient in working within interagency and international relationships and are capable of operating for extended periods in the diverse regions of the world. As a result, they are capable of providing the government with a wide range of options, both kinetic and non-kinetic. SOF can make a strategic difference through surveillance and reconnaissance, thus, providing accurate and timely ground truth and advice to senior political and military decision makers so as to enhance the quality of strategic effects they seek. They can also prosecute tasks with a surgical precision that minimizes collateral damage and unnecessary violence. Their skill sets also allow for non-kinetic resolutions to problems. Additionally, they can also shape the environment by deploying training and planning teams to allied countries. In the end, the SOF operator provides political and military decision makers with a range of timely options.
Canadian Special Operations forces Command
Purpose and Scope
The purpose of Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM) is to force develop, generate and, where required, force employ Special Operations Task Forces (SOTF) capable of achieving tactical, operational and strategic effects required by the Government of Canada (GoC).
SOTF are not a substitute for conventional forces. They are task tailored, mission specific organizations that are assembled to respond to a specific mission requirement. Important to note is that SOF focus on harmonization of effects – not synchronization of activities. Simply put, although SOF normally operate independently, their effect is coordinated with the theatre campaign plan to support, enhance and advance the impact of conventional forces. After all, special operations seek to achieve military, diplomatic, informational, and/or economic surgical precision effects, both kinetic and non-kinetic, employing military capabilities for which there is no existing conventional force capacity. Nonetheless, whether conducted independently or in conjunction with operations of conventional forces (i.e., own or allied nations), other SOF (i.e., allied nations), or other government agencies, SOTF mission employment is always coordinated. SOTF employment differs from conventional operations in degree of physical and political risk, operational techniques, mode of employment, independence from friendly support, and dependence on detailed and precise operational intelligence.
The successful conduct of special operations relies on individual and small unit proficiency in a multitude of specialized, often non-conventional combat skills applied with adaptability, improvisation, innovation, and self-reliance. The small size, unique capabilities, and self-sufficiency (for short periods of time) of SOF operational units provide Canada with agile, adaptive, appropriate, scaleable and rapid military responses. However, critical to achieving and maintaining this capacity is a dedicated, knowledgeable formation headquarters staff that develop, progress and sustain SOF capabilities.
Vision
An agile, adaptive and high-readiness Special Operations Force capable of providing scaleable, kinetic and non-kinetic responses to missions of strategic significance to the Government of Canada.
Mission
CANSOFCOM will provide the Government of Canada with agile, high-readiness Special Operations Forces capable of conducting special operations across the spectrum of conflict at home and abroad.
CANSOFCOM Tasks
CANSOFCOM units and personnel are organized, trained and equipped to accomplish the following core tasks.
- Counter-Terrorism (CT) Operations. CT refers to the offensive and defensive measures taken to prevent, deter, pre-empt and respond to terrorism. CANSOFCOM performs this mission both domestically and internationally. CT measures are mostly offensive actions such as hostage rescue, recovery of sensitive material or strikes at infrastructure but additionally include mitigation and deterrent activities. In the domestic context SOF are employed exclusively in support of Canadian Law Enforcement Agencies (LEA).
- Maritime Counter-Terrorism (MCT) Operations. MCT refers to operations within a maritime environment that are extremely complex requiring a high level of expertise and special equipment to effectively and safely insert, fight and extract from a target area.
- High Value Tasks (HVT). HVT refers to other missions,
at home or abroad, that may be assigned by the Government of Canada.
They may be kinetic or non-kinetic and could include tasks embedded
across the entire spectrum of conflict. Some examples include tasks
such as (but not limited to):
- Counter-proliferation (CP), which refers to actions to limit the possession, use, acquisition or transit of weapons of mass effect (WME). It includes actions to locate, seize, capture and recover WME and in some instances under the Proliferation Security Initiative prevent the improper employment of dual use materials.
- Special Reconnaissance (SR), which are missions conducted to collect or verify information of strategic or operational significance. These actions complement and refine other collection methods but are normally directed upon extremely significant areas of interest.
- Direct Action (DA), which are short duration strikes and other precise small-scale offensive actions conducted by special operations forces to seize, destroy, capture, exploit, recover or damage designated targets. Direct action differs from conventional offensive actions in the level of physical and political risk, operational techniques, and the degree of discriminate and precise use of force to achieve specific objectives.
- Defence, Diplomacy, and Military Assistance (DDMA), which refers to operations that contribute to nation building through assistance to select states through the provision of specialized military advice, training and assistance (e.g., CPAT, MTAP). CANSOFCOM contributions are managed within the Command's areas of expertise.
Organization
CANSOFCOM is composed of the Joint Task Force 2 (JTF 2), the Canadian Special Operations Regiment (CSOR), 427 Special Operations Aviation Squadron (427 SOAS), and the Canadian Joint Incident Response Unit – Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CJIRU – CBRN), which was formerly called the Joint Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Defence (JNBCD) Company. Specifically:
Joint Task Force 2
JTF 2 was formed in 1992 and officially activated on 1 April 1993, when the CF accepted responsibility for federal counter-terrorism operations from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). Since its inception, the unit has continuously developed new capabilities, technologies, and tactics to provide precise kinetic and non-kinetic surgical effects.
Mission: To provide a force capable of rendering armed assistance and surgical precise effects in the resolution of an issue that is, or has the potential of, affecting the national interest. The primary focus is counter-terrorism; however, the unit is employed on other high value tasks.
Roles: CT, CP, DA, SR and DDMA
Canadian Special Operations Regiment
CSOR, located at Canadian Forces Base Petawawa, was officially stood up as a new unit of the CF on 13 August 2006. It is a high-readiness, agile and robust special operations force that was created as a vital enabler for JTF 2 to address a capability gap that existed prior to its creation. The regiment is capable of supporting and conducting a broad range of special operations missions at home and abroad.
Mission: To provide a high readiness, agile and robust force capable of supporting and conducting a broad range of operation missions both at home and abroad.
Roles: DA, SR, DDMA and NEO
427 Special Operations Aviation Squadron
Formed in 1942, 427 (Lion) Squadron was originally an RCAF Bomber Squadron and won an impressive list of Battle Honours during the Second World War. Disbanded after the war, it was reactivated in 1962 as a Fighter Squadron flying F-86 Sabres and then CF-104 Starfighter until disbanded again in 1970. Subsequently, the Lions were reactivated on 1 January 1971, as a Tactical Helicopter Squadron based at Petawawa, Ontario. 427 Squadron has long been a key enabler of JTF 2 activities. On 1 February 2006 the Squadron was renamed 427 Special Operations Aviation Squadron and assigned to CANSOFCOM.
Mission: To provide CANSOFCOM agile, high-readiness special operations aviation forces capable of conducting special operations across the spectrum of conflict at home and abroad.
Roles: CT, DA, SR and DDMA
Canadian Joint Incident Response Unit - CBRN
The events of 11 September 2001, led to the immediate Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) response capability of the CF to be assigned to a new dedicated high readiness unit, the JNBCD Company. Since 1 February 2006 this unit has been a part of CANSOFCOM. Its name was officially changed to the CJIRU in September 2007. This unit, still in the process of being fully developed, has three key mandates. This first is to respond to CBRN events in conjunction with other elements of the National CBRN Response Team: the RCMP and Health Canada. The second is to provide an agile integral part of the CANSOFCOM Immediate Reaction Task Force (IRTF) and lastly to force generation a planning, and advisory capability to CF expeditionary operations.
Mission: To provide timely and agile broad based CBRN support to the Government of Canada in order to prevent, control and mitigate CBRN threats to Canada, Canadians and Canadian interests.
Roles: Core Member National CBRN Response Team, CT, CP and SR
Core Strategic Effects
The core strategic effects that CANSOFCOM can deliver are keyed to its unique capabilities. First, selected components of the Command are constantly on high readiness alert in order to provide an agile and timely response to the Government of Canada. Second, CANSOFCOM can provide the highly skilled SOTF to conduct high-risk kinetic or non-kinetic missions that have major strategic ramifications. For instance, this could include hostage rescue, special reconnaissance required to fully inform the operational planning and decision-making processes of the Government of Canada. Third, CANSOFCOM contains a baseline capacity to mitigate the results, or deter the use of, weapons of mass effect (WME). Fourth, it facilitates the engagement with allied organizations in the fight against terrorism, as well as the provision of assistance to nations seeking to build SOF capacity to provide their own internal defence. Finally, CANSOFCOM missions can set the parameters for theatre activation or shape the battlefield for follow-on conventional operations.
Core Operational Effect and Limitations
The following factors need to be considered when employing CANSOFCOM elements:
- Improper employment could result in the unnecessary wastage of SOF. They cannot be quickly replaced or reconstituted, nor can their capabilities be rapidly expanded.
- The principles of anticipation and decisive early and timely engagement will act as force multipliers to CANSOF's operational output to emerging situations. In short, the earlier the notice of a potential mission, the greater the likelihood of effective employment (e.g., preposition assets) and successful effects. In essence, decision makers can inadvertently eliminate the SOF option by failing to enable them to be in the right place at the right time.
- SOF should be employed against targets with strategic or operational significance.
- SOF are not a substitute for conventional forces. In most cases SOF are neither trained, nor equipped to conduct sustained conventional combat operations, and should not be substituted for conventional units that are better able to effectively execute a conventional mission.
- CANSOFCOM logistic support is austere in nature and geared toward the requirements of fielding and supporting rapidly deployable and agile forces, not the extended support of fielded forces.
- SOTF are most effective when they are fully integrated into the Joint/Theatre Task Force Commander's (TFC) overall campaign plan. SOF employment is nested in the superior commander's intent and their actions remain visible and transparent to those who need to know.
Operational Concept
CANSOFCOM utilizes an integrated operating concept that is based on Special Operations Task Forces. CANSOFCOM is the force generator (FG) for all SOF assigned missions and as such SOTF are created based on the specific standing tasks (e.g., Immediate Response (IR) CT Task Force, NBC TF, aviation TF) or specially designated task forces based on a given situation, mission or emerging threats. The concept is based on a broad spectrum of SOF capabilities, which, in the event of a crisis are tailored and scaled into an integrated force package designed to meet the threat. Notwithstanding the command's FG role, specific units are given the lead and the designated Task Force Commander can choose which tools are required, based on a mission analysis, to effectively prosecute the mission. The SOTF are in turn provided to the supported operational commander (e.g., Canadian Expeditionary Force Command (CEFCOM) or Canada Command). In special circumstances, CANSOFCOM may also employ SOTF to conduct sensitive, discrete missions on behalf of the Government of Canada. In these cases CANSOFCOM will plan, mount and execute solely within the Command and will report directly to the GoC through the strategic levels within the CF.
Regardless of its role, CANSOFCOM also exercises its support concept, which is a three-tier simultaneous construct. On one level, the Command provides daily support to ongoing administrative and training activities, as well as internal Command governance functions. On another level, and potentially at the same time, the Command supports the generation and deployment of its standing IR SOTF and their subsequent execution of operations. Equally, the Command also supports, often simultaneously with the other two tiers, the deployment and sustainment of a SOTF deployed internationally.
Force Generation and Development Issues
- Selection. The nature of SOF missions requires individuals who are physically fit, intelligent, adaptive and capable of operating in small groups in high risk, complex and volatile situations. This requirement for individuals who can envision a solution and quickly act on it in today's ambiguous environment makes selection all-important in building CANSOFCOM units. Each unit in CANSOFCOM has tailored selection standards to ensure candidates possess the attributes and the potential to acquire the necessary skill sets to prosecute their types of missions. These rigorous demands, particularly for JTF 2, lead to high failure rates during selection, thus, reinforcing the need for CANSOFCOM to be able to draw from the broadest recruitment pool possible.
- Reserves. Establishing a SOF reserve element opens up opportunities to the current Reserve elements within the CF to volunteer for service within CANSOFCOM. It will also allow serving highly trained and skilled SOF personnel to maintain an affiliation with CANSOFCOM on a typically part-time basis after retirement. In all cases the aim of the SOF reserve element is to provide a path for Reservists to work with CANSOFCOM while allowing the Command to obtain and retain unique and hard to replicate skill sets. From an experiential and sustainability perspective, this represents a significant force multiplier to our capability moving forward.
- Training. CANSOFCOM training emphasizes the enhancement of the specialized individual and collective skill sets that are required to execute the Command's tasks. Where possible these exercises are conducted jointly and within the SOTF concept in order to refine interoperability with other CF elements and LEA. As a matter of course CANSOFCOM will not establish schools or courses that duplicate existing CF capabilities.
- Equipment. Special operations forces need not only to be well equipped but rapidly and frequently re-equipped to counter a flexible and adaptive opponent. This high turn-over rate, coupled with the limited lot/fleet size typically required to equip SOTF, underscores the need for a dedicated stand-alone force development staff within CANSOFCOM. This force development staff works closely with both central and service specific force developers in order to ensure that duplication of effort is eliminated and best practices are shared. CANSOFCOM procurement procedures adhere to all norms and regulations of the Government of Canada and the Department of National Defence, albeit with a high degree of security attached to the process.
Force Employment Issues
- Operational Mission Criteria. SOTF should only
be employed to achieve an effect that is of national interest. Once
assigned a mission, a SOTF will plan and execute accordingly. The following
factors need to be considered early in the planning cycle and prior
to task assignment:
- The mission must be appropriate for SOF; it must support the campaign plan; and it must be operationally feasible.
- The necessary resources must be made available to execute the mission.
- In all cases, the maximum necessary time must be made available for detailed planning to ensure mission success. Warning should always be given as early as possible.
- Given that SOF is a high-value low-density asset, the benefits of success must be measurable and in balance with the risks inherent in the mission.
- Intelligence. Surgical precise operations, whether kinetic or non-kinetic, are intelligence driven and dependent. As such, intelligence is crucial in all aspects of targeting, course of action (COA) development and mission planning/execution. In general terms, SOTF require a close and unimpeded interface with national and theatre intelligence assets as well as links to entities providing all source intelligence. The development of human intelligence capabilities is particularly important for operations in failed states. Counter-intelligence and operations security will be significant disciplines for SOTF to mitigate the risk to their operations.
Challenges
Meeting the substantial resource requirements in personnel, equipment and training is a major challenge for SOF. The CF has taken a significant step forward in expanding its capability to conduct special operations. This growth is being carefully managed within the responsibility and accountability framework of the CF. CANSOFCOM remains committed to the responsible and judicious use of resources, realizing that there is always a finite capacity within any military institution, but must balance this with its “No Fail” task mandate. As such, the Command balances resource constraint with the four internationally recognized SOF truths:
- Humans are more important than hardware.
- Quality is better than quantity.
- SOF cannot be mass produced.
- Competent SOF cannot be created after emergencies occur.
A second major challenge is the balance between openness and full transparency and the necessary degree of secrecy. Operational Security is a fundamental prerequisite for SOF. Its importance is rooted in two essential pillars. The first is based on a moral obligation to do everything possible to ensure the protection and safety of our personnel, particularly in the context of the type of operations we conduct, the environments we conduct them in (i.e., denied, hostile or politically sensitive areas) and the nature of the enemy we face. The second is based on the requirement to protect operations and ensure mission success. Critical to this second pillar is the requirement to protect information and capabilities of our international allies. However, while compartmentalization of information is important, appropriate authorities at all levels are always fully briefed on the details of SOF operations.
Command Priorties
The establishment of CANSOFCOM is an important enabler in the effective use of special operations forces in support of national security and national interests. The ongoing expansion of the Command will give greater flexibility to the Government of Canada in responding to the complex and ever changing security environment at home and abroad.
The Command's priorities in the near term are as follows:
- Sustainment and Continued Development of Counter-Terrorism Efforts. This includes sustainment and development of Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) defence capabilities and a domestic Immediate Response (IR) SOTF in support of LEA.
- Preparation for 2010 Olympics. This includes completing the requisite planning, training, growth and integration required to provide the necessary SOF capability to assist with other government efforts to ensure the security of the Games.
- Contribute to International Operations. This includes support to CF missions overseas, whether ongoing or contingent (e.g., non-combatant evacuation or special discrete operations). This also includes assisting other government departments (OGDs), as well as select nations and allies, to develop capacities and skills sets so that they can provide for their own internal security and defence.
- Growth of CANSOFCOM. This includes fully developing the existing units and formation headquarters, as well as establishing those organizations required that do not presently exist, to create the necessary capacity to provide the GoC with the requisite capability it needs to rapidly respond to threats at home and abroad.
Conclusion
Canadian Special Operations Forces Command represents the nation's force of last resort. The concept “No Fail” derives from the reality that Canadian special operations forces are often requested to service certain target sets for which there is simply no other option available to the GoC. As such, CANSOFCOM is a strategic asset that provides the Government of Canada with an agile, rapid and tailored response to a wide spectrum of threats at home or abroad. Its specially trained and equipped forces are capable of projecting a wide range of skills and surgical precision kinetic and non-kinetic effects in denied, hostile or politically sensitive areas to achieve high value missions. As the global security environment continues to grow in ambiguity, complexity and chaos, so too, will CANSOFCOM adapt and evolve to provide the government and people of Canada with requisite response to deter, disrupt, dislocate and when necessary destroy those entities that would do harm to Canadians, our allies and friends, or our national interest.
